Aluminum Inventory Declines in China Mask Weakening Demand, SMM Says

SHANGHAI, Jun. 20 (SMM) – Aluminum stocks in China’s major markets remain in the downward track, but this could not be seen as evidence of stronger demand, SMM noted. 

In fact, stocks have dropped at a slower pace, as a result of growing shipments from northwest China and weakening consumption, SMM explained. 

SMM learned smelters in northwest China stepped up shipments of ingots, which traded higher than SHFE front-month aluminum contract and aluminum liquid. Besides, falling demand for aluminum liquid from nearby aluminum billet producers also pushed smelters in northwest China to increase ingot shipments.   

Aluminum ingot stocks in China’s five major markets totaled 406,000 tonne as of June 17, down 22,000 tonnes from June 8, SMM statistics showed.  

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